Vis/IR Atmospheric Tool (VISIRAT)

Missile Defense Agency (MDA) Model and Simulation (M&S) capabilities include Core Truth models (CTM) capable of simulating all physics governing missile detection, tracking and intercept events. A key component of the simulation tools is an accurate and fast atmospheric radiation model to describe the target signals as they propagate through the atmosphere to the sensor. Ideally, such a model should be designed to be readily interfaced with existing scene generation tools, such as Joint Signature Image Generator (JSIG) or Fast Line-of-sight Imagery for Target and Exhaust-plume Signatures (FLITES) to create Vis/IR scenes in real time. In Phase I, Spectral Sciences, Inc. (SSI) developed the Vis/IR Atmospheric Tool (VISIRAT), a prototype and proof-of-principle fast-atmospheric effects module for computing lines-of-sight (LOS) radiances to create Vis/IR scenes in real time. In Phase II, VISIRAT will be further upgraded for speed and accuracy, and modularized for modeling two important MDA environmental effects, Auroral events and Earthshine illumination. Modeling both of these effects are high priority requirements within the Common Environment Models (CEM) for E/O as well as radar applications. In Phase III, we shall address other E/O atmospheric effects required for the CEM, including Earthlimb, Skyshine, Cloudshine, Aerosols, etc.Approved for Public Release | 18-MDA-9522 (23 Feb 18)